Contemporary Surrey garden with layered planting and stone terrace

The Journal

Garden design and landscaping insight

Practical advice, design thinking and project stories from our Surrey studio — written to help you plan a garden you will genuinely use.

All articles Garden Design Landscaping Hard Landscaping Planting Outdoor Living Garden Maintenance Garden Rooms Driveways & Patios

A residential natural stone patio with a sunken, uneven section collecting rainwater and exposing the underlying sub-base.

Driveways & Patios

Why Do Patios Sink? Common Causes and How to Prevent Them

Is your patio sinking or developing uneven slabs? Learn the common causes of patio settlement, from poor compaction and drainage to weak ground and inadequate bedding.

Mekail24 September 20267 min read

A side-by-side comparison of two driveway surfaces in front of a traditional UK brick home. The left side shows a smooth, seamless resin-bound surface, while the right side displays a textured, granular resin-bonded surface, highlighting the visual differences between the two finishes.

Driveways & Patios

Resin Bound vs Resin Bonded: What's the Difference?

Resin bound and resin bonded paving look similar but are installed differently. Learn how they compare on drainage, appearance, maintenance, cost and use.

Mekail24 September 20266 min read

A multi-zone residential garden with a patio dining area, curving stone path, central lawn, and a secluded seating space among lush plants.

Garden Design

Garden Zoning: How to Divide Your Outdoor Space

Planning a garden in Surrey? Discover how garden zoning can create practical spaces for dining, relaxing, entertaining, planting and everyday family life.

Mekail23 September 202610 min read

A premium landscaped driveway of a brick house featuring a mix of grey block paving, resin-bound aggregate, and natural gravel, bordered by lush plants and a low brick wall

Driveways & Patios

What Is the Best Surface for a Driveway?

Choosing a new driveway in Surrey? Compare block paving, resin-bound, tarmac, gravel and permeable paving, with practical advice on drainage, maintenance and design.

Mekail23 September 20269 min read

A modern residential swimming pool surrounded by grey paving, sun loungers, a manicured lawn, and lush landscaping, with a brick house in the background.

Outdoor Living

How to Landscape Around a Swimming Pool

Planning a swimming pool garden? Discover how to choose the right paving, planting, privacy screening, lighting and landscaping features for a practical and beautiful pool area.

Mekail23 September 20269 min read

A modern landscaped garden featuring a rectangular swimming pool surrounded by a paved patio, with wooden lounge chairs on a lush lawn and decorative lantern lighting along the pool edge.

Outdoor Living

Swimming Pool Maintenance: What to Expect Throughout the Year

Find out what swimming pool maintenance involves throughout the year, including seasonal cleaning, water care, equipment checks and winter preparation.

Mekail23 September 20268 min read

A small modern irrigation controller and fine water spray are visible among the plants, with a pristine lawn, elegant patio seating, and a traditional brick house in the background.

Landscaping

Smart Irrigation Systems: Are They Worth It for UK Gardens?

Smart irrigation systems take garden watering beyond a simple timer. Discover how sensors, weather data and zoned irrigation can help Surrey homeowners maintain healthier gardens while managing water use.

Mekail23 September 202610 min read

Landscaped Surrey garden featuring light porcelain paving, a dark modern pergola, fresh lawn, and layered shrub borders leading to a brick house.

Garden Design

How Long Does a Garden Transformation Take?

Planning a garden transformation? Find out how long landscaping projects can take in Surrey and what can affect the timeline, including access, groundworks, weather and bespoke features.

Mekail22 September 20266 min read

Modern timber pergola on a porcelain patio alongside a traditional gazebo in a landscaped Surrey garden with a brick house in the background.

Outdoor Living

Pergola vs Gazebo: Which Is Better for Your Garden?

Choosing between a pergola and gazebo? Compare the differences in shelter, privacy, maintenance, planting and outdoor entertaining to find the right fit.

Mekail22 September 20268 min read

A stone path through layered planting leading to a brick house in a Surrey garden

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